Ross McCormack links up with Usain Bolt at Central Coast Mariners as Aston Villa loanee returns to Australia

ROSS McCORMACK has linked up with Usain Bolt in Australia after joining Central Coast Mariners on a one-year loan deal.

The former Rangers striker has been frozen out at Aston Villa and spent four months of last season with Melbourne City.

But after being told he has no future under Steve Bruce, the 32-year-old has returned down under with the Mariners.

Now he could partner eight-time Olympic sprint champion Bolt up front, with the Jamaican on trial with the A-League club.

He said: “I’m really excited to get back to Australia.

“The standard of football in Australia is a bit overlooked I think – everyone wants to play football the right way and I loved my time with Melbourne. When this chance came, I knew it was the right decision for me.

“When I arrived in Australia for the first time I wasn’t as fit as I would have liked, it was the first time I had moved overseas to be away from my family so coming in this time, I am in a better place and really believe that I will have an impact.

“I like to think I get along with everyone, I’m an easy going approachable guy who likes to have a joke.

“But most importantly I’m a hard worker who loves to win football matches. On the pitch, I put in as big of a shift as anyone to achieve that goal.”

Former Scotland international McCormack joined Villa in a £12million deal from Fulham two years ago.

But he has endured a nightmare stay at Villa Park, scoring just three goals.

He still has two years left on his deal, meaning the Lions could be forced to hand him a bumper pay-off next summer.